Device for the insertion of deformable intra-ocular lenses

Abstract

The invention relates to a device that permits an intra-ocular lens, which has been elastically deformed, to be injected through a cannula ( 5 ) into an eye by means of a ram ( 6 ) with a translatory displacement action. The device contains a lens holder ( 1 ), which can be inserted into said device. The lens holder contains an elastic base ( 8 ), which is deformable in such a way that it can be converted from a relaxed, open position into a tensioned, closed position by bending. During said deformation, the intra-ocular lens that is in contact with the lens holder ( 1 ) is subjected to an increased curvature. This permits the careful deformation of the intra-ocular lens and a precise, reliable injection of the latter.

1 - 17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . A device for inserting an elastically deformable intra-ocular lens into an eye, comprising: 
 a lens holder including an elastic base which is deformable from a relaxed, open position into a stressed, closed position, wherein the deformation of the elastic base increases a curvature of the intra-ocular lens disposed in the lens holder;    a cannula; and    a moveable plunger, wherein movement of the plunger pushes the elastically deformed intra-ocular lens from the lens holder through the cannula into the eye.    
   
   
       19 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the plunger has a free end, and wherein the free end of the plunger has an indentation running essentially in a direction transverse to the cross section of the plunger, said indentation being configured to receive an edge of the intra-ocular lens.  
   
   
       20 . The device according to  claim 18 , further including a bearing part for the lens holder, said bearing part being open towards the exterior of the device.  
   
   
       21 . The device according to  claim 18 , further including an alignment device for the plunger.  
   
   
       22 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the alignment device comprises a guide element on the plunger.  
   
   
       23 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the bearing part and the alignment device are detachably connected.  
   
   
       24 . The device according to  claim 21 , wherein the bearing part and the alignment device form one piece.  
   
   
       25 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the bearing part and the cannula form one piece.  
   
   
       26 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the lens holder does not project out of the bearing part.  
   
   
       27 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the elastic base in the stressed position forms a channel in which the curved intra-ocular lens is located.  
   
   
       28 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the channel formed in the stressed position becomes narrower toward one end of the channel.  
   
   
       29 . The device according to  claim 26 , wherein that the channel has a helical cross section at its end facing the cannula.  
   
   
       30 . The device according to  claim 20 , wherein the bearing part comprises a passageway opening for the intra-ocular lens, said passageway opening having a helical cross section on its side facing the channel of the lens holder.  
   
   
       31 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the elastic base has on its side facing the plunger a tapering in order to form a guide for the plunger.  
   
   
       32 . The device according to  claim 18 , wherein the alignment device comprises at its end facing the lens holder a guide face for the plunger.  
   
   
       33 . The device according to  claim 18 , further comprising a connecting mechanism at the lens holder in order to hold the lens holder in its closed position.  
   
   
       34 . The device according to  claim 18 , further comprising a catching mechanism for positioning and holding the lens holder in its position.  
   
   
       35 . The device according to  claim 19 , further including an alignment device for the plunger.  
   
   
       36 . The device according to  19 , wherein the elastic base in the stressed position forms a channel in which the curved intra-ocular lens is located.  
   
   
       37 . The device according to  claim 36 , wherein the channel formed in the stressed position becomes narrower toward one end of the channel.